It wasn’t easy narrowing down this squad—I was present for a few of these and head coach Ian “Kanga” Cairns really had his hands full making these decisions. America’s top groms that we’ve been hearing so much about for so long have finally seemed to make that pivotal jump from grommethood to legitimate pro junior. They continually push each other in the water and now have the filled out frames and added power to compete with the entire world.

Coach Cairns has fostered major improvement and a positive team atmosphere throughout these sessions. The team is slotted for a final training camp in early January before heading to New Zealand and will use this opportunity to give everything one last fine tuning. Let’s hear it for Team USA. GO USA!

Stay tuned to transworldsurf.com for more on the PacSun USA Surf Team before they head to New Zealand to take on the world. And for more on Team USA, head to SurfingAmerica.org.

All portraits shot by Billy Watts for Surfing America.

Boys Under 18

Conner Coffin

Age: 16

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA

A throwback to the age of power surfers, Conner loves putting his board on rail. But don’t let that fool you, he can blow tail and demolish lips with the best his age.

Evan Thompson

Age: 17

Hometown: Jax Beach, FL

Evan has continued to progress each and every year. Going into his last year of ISA Junior competition you know he’s hungry for a medal.

Evan Geiselman

Age: 16

Hometown: New Smyrna Beach, FL

The second East Coast (also named Evan) representative on the team. Evan’s smooth style enhances his big airs, blowtails, huge wraps, and deep barrels. Plus the kid loves winning.

Andrew Doheny

Age: 17

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

Andrew “Droid” Doheny’s witty humor compliments his careless approach in the water. Careless in the sense that he constantly puts it on the line in pursuit of landing something huge—and most of the time he does.

Boys Under 16

Kolohe Andino

Age: 15Hometown: San Clemente, CA

The most talked about 15-year-old surfer on the planet. He’s finally filling into a bigger frame, which means the polished fins-free attack he’s developed over the years has seen a surge of power behind it. This could mean lights out for everyone else. Portrait: Toby Ogden

Jake Halstead

Age: 15

Hometown: La Jolla, CA

Raised on the reefs of La Jolla, Jake Halstead goes for it. And it’s seemed something has clicked for him this year, bringing together his aggressive approach and big maneuver factor.

Trevor Thornton

Age: 14

Hometown: San Clemente, CA

One of the youngest on this year’s travel squad, Trevor is consistently a contender in any event he enters. Though young, he has tons of potential waiting to be tapped.

Parker Coffin

Age: 14

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA

“Porkchop” as he’s called, Parker has been on the radar for years. And it seems that recently he’s been putting his freesurfing abilities to full use in heats. When Parker’s on he’s hard to beat.

Girls Under 18

Courtney Conlogue

Age: 17Hometown: Santa Ana, CA

Defending U.S. Open champ and took home the silver in last year’s ISA Junior Championships. Courtney is a legitimate threat to take home a gold this year—especially since she narrowly missed it last year.

Lakey Peterson

Age: 15

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA

Was the first to land a legit air in female amateur competition this past summer at NSSA Nationals where she stole the Governor’s Cup out from under teammate Courtney Conlogue. Lakey surfs on all burners and will be a big scorer for Team USA.

Kaleigh Gilchrist

Age: 17

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

A USA travel squad veteran, Kaleigh knows the ins and outs of ISA competition well. If she can put together her entire repertoire this year she’ll be a top surfer for the girls.

Taylor Pitz

Age: 17

Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA

Taylor’s not your typical Laguna Beach girl. The moment you think that she’s already thrown a turn harder than you. With previous experience at the ISAs, Taylor has a big chance to earn a spot on the podium.